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That could mean a return to action towards the end of March – potentially early enough to play a meaningful role in the Chiefs’ end-of-season run-in.

“I would definitely expect to see him play some part this season,” Baxter said.

“He is approximately half way through his rehab now. He is scheduled for about a six-month lay-off.

“Next week he will be out on the training field for the first time. He won’t be involved in proper training but he will start running, which is a positive sign. We will then keep a close eye on his reaction to his running load over the next 12 weeks.

“We have dealt with plenty of guys coming back from ACL injuries and always done a good job so I am sure it will be exactly the same with Sam.”

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While late March would leave him with enough time to make an impact for the Chiefs, it would leave his World Cup hopes hanging by a thread, with precious little time to play his way into Eddie Jones’ plans.

But despite the poor timing of the injury, Baxter says he has coped well.

“He seems to have dealt with it well mentally. I have had several conversations with him asking about how he is getting along,” he said.

“His standard reply is that he feels time is going by quite quickly now.”